Technology

Increase surprises observers due to falling home sales during the third quarter.

Third-quarter profit for Ally Financial fell by 76% as the company settled U.S. claims for soured mortgages and stopped making new home loans.

The Democratic-leaning cities have a lower base to rise from than the Republican ones.

Tight credit standards prompt adult children and parents to pool resources to purchase a home.

Banks remain tight despite the drop-off in refinancings.

Recent improvements in lending technology are having a strong impact on loss mitigation practices for lenders.

Buyer activity grows week-over-week, a trend lenders hope will continue.

This index is designed to move slowly and not exhibit the same volatility as rates for other mortgage products.

Efforts to adjust to new market demands and comply with a heavily regulated mortgage lending marketplace involve anything from massive layoffs to speeding up loan processing automation.

One good sign is commitments to purchase new loans edged up slightly in September.